A child sex offender failed to register a change of address with police when he walked out of his hostel address to instead be sleep rough.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Daniel Rice did tell his probation officer that he had left Islington House in Great Bolton Street, Blackburn and was homeless.

His solicitor told the court Rice, who sexually assaulted a child aged under 13 and is also a convicted flasher, "simply forgot" to tell anyone about his change in circumstances.

Rice, 30, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with notification requirements under the sex offender register.

He was jailed for 12 weeks and ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge on release.

Liz Hayton, prosecuting, had first been put on the sex offender register in 2015 when he was convicted of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13.

He was further made subject to notification requirements in 2024 following a conviction for indecent exposure.

He told his probation officer he had left Islington House because he was having difficulty with benefits and they wanted the rent.

“At that point he should have told the police he was homeless and reported to them once a week so they could monitor him,” said Miss Hayton.

Bill Rawstron, in mitigation, said having told his supervising officer what was going on in his life, Rice should have then told the police.

“He simply forgot,” added Mr Rawstron. “He knew his responsibilities and he has brought this on himself.”